Regionally time-dependent midsole

ABSTRACT

A golf shoe with a sole assembly having a regionally time-dependent midsole is provided. The midsole may include a lateral region constructed of a first material and a medial region constructed of a second material, where elastic properties of the lateral region and viscoelastic properties the medial region provide a neutral support platform when a relatively brief compression load is placed on the midsole (e.g., when a wearer is taking a step while walking), and further provide an everted supported platform when the compression load is placed on the midsole for a longer period of time (e.g., when the wearer is swinging a golf club).

BACKGROUND

The sport of golf involves a variety of actions that a golfer mayperform, such as a golf swing, walking a golf course, and other golfingactions. Having proper equipment when playing the sport of golf may be afactor in how well the golfer may be able to perform these actions. Golfshoes are one example piece of equipment that can affect a golfer'sperformance. For example, when a golfer swings a club and transferstheir weight on their feet, there are high forces placed on the foot,and the shoe needs to accommodate and respond to those forces.

It is with respect to these and other general considerations that theaspects disclosed herein have been made. Also, although relativelyspecific problems may be discussed, it should be understood that theexamples should not be limited to solving the specific problemsidentified in the background or elsewhere in this disclosure.

SUMMARY

Examples of the present disclosure describe a golf shoe including aregionally time-dependent midsole operative to provide a neutral supportangle when a relatively brief compression load is placed on the midsole(e.g., when a wearer is taking a step while walking) and to furtherprovide an everted support angle when the compression load is placed onthe midsole for a longer period of time (e.g., when the wearer isswinging a golf club).

In one example, a golf shoe is provided including an upper; and a soleassembly connected to the upper, the sole assembly including: anoutsole; and a midsole including: a lateral region constructed of afirst material; and a medial region constructed of a second material,wherein: the first material compresses to a maximum compression of thefirst material within a first time period; and the second materialcompresses to the maximum compression of the first material within thefirst time period and compresses to a maximum compression of the secondmaterial within a second time period.

In another example, a regionally time-dependent midsole for a golf shoeis provided, the midsole including a lateral region constructed of afirst material; and a medial region constructed of a second material,wherein when the midsole is under a load: the lateral region compressesto a maximum compression of the first material and the medial regioncompresses to the same maximum compression of the first material withina first time period; and the medial region compresses to a maximumcompression of the second material within a second time period.

In another example, a method for making a golf shoe including aregionally time-dependent midsole for a golf shoe is provided, themethod including constructing an upper; constructing an outsole;constructing a lateral region of a midsole using a first material;constructing a medial region of the midsole using a second material,wherein: the first material compresses to a maximum compression of thefirst material within a first time period; and the second materialcompresses to the maximum compression of the first material within thefirst time period and compresses to a maximum compression of the secondmaterial, higher than the maximum compression of the first material,within a second time period; attaching the lateral region to the medialregion of the midsole; generating a sole assembly by attaching themidsole to the outsole; and attaching the upper to the sole assembly.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Additionalaspects, features, and/or advantages of examples will be set forth inpart in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparentfrom the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference tothe following figures.

FIG. 1A depicts a medial side view of a golf shoe in which a regionallytime-dependent midsole may be implemented according to an example.

FIG. 1B depicts a lateral side view of the golf shoe of FIG. 1Aaccording to an example.

FIG. 1C depicts a dorsal (top) view of the golf shoe of FIG. 1Aaccording to an example.

FIG. 1D depicts a posterior view of the golf shoe of FIG. 1A accordingto an example.

FIG. 2A depicts a neutral angle (a_(n)) of alignment of a person's lowerleg relative to the person's foot flat on a ground surface when walking,according to an example.

FIG. 2B depicts an angle of alignment (a_(a)) of the person's lower legrelative to the person's foot flat on a ground surface when in a stance,such as when swinging a club, according to an example.

FIG. 2C depicts an angle of eversion that provides a neutral angle ofalignment (a_(n)) of the person's lower leg relative to the person'sfoot placed on an everted support angle (a_(e)) relative to the groundsurface when in a stance according to an example.

FIG. 3A depicts a dorsal view of a regionally time-dependent midsolewith reference to anatomy of a wearer's foot according to an example.

FIG. 3B depicts various cross-sectional views of the regionallytime-dependent midsole of FIG. 3A when unloaded according to an example.

FIG. 4 depicts anelastic creep properties of viscoelastic (medial)region of the regionally time-dependent midsole of FIG. 3A when loadedfor a first time duration (e.g., a foot strike of a walking gait) versuswhen loaded for a second (longer) time duration (e.g., when swinging agolf club) according to an example.

FIG. 5 depicts a compression profile of the viscoelastic (medial) regionand a compression profile of an elastic (lateral) region of theregionally time-dependent midsole of FIG. 3A for providing a neutralsupport angle when loaded for the first time duration according to anexample.

FIG. 6 depicts a compression profile of the viscoelastic (medial) regionand a compression profile of the elastic (lateral) region of theregionally time-dependent midsole of FIG. 3A for providing an evertedsupport angle when loaded for the second time duration according to anexample.

FIG. 7A shows a time series view depicting a change in compression ofthe viscoelastic (medial) region and the elastic (lateral) region of theregionally time-dependent midsole over time according to an example.

FIG. 7B shows another time series view depicting a change in compressionof the viscoelastic (medial) region and the elastic (lateral) region ofthe regionally time-dependent midsole over time according to an example.

FIG. 8 depicts example operations of a method of making a golf shoeincluding a regionally time-dependent midsole according to anembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As briefly discussed above, golf footwear suspension may have at leasttwo different functional requirements, which may include: (1) providinghours of standing comfort and miles of walking comfort and support; and(2) repeatedly supporting both feet of a golfer throughout variousaspects of a golf swing. The functional requirement of walking mayentail providing a neutral-angled support platform, which may support anatural degree of foot pronation that may align the golfer's ankles,lower legs, knees, and upper legs. In contrast, the functionalrequirement of swinging a golf club may benefit from a geometricallyangled support platform that provides an everted support platform forthe golfer's foot. As can be appreciated, a fixed eversion support anglemay force an unnatural degree of foot pronation during walking, which,can lead to potentially deleterious knee and ankle movements that may bechronically repeated with each stop on a golf course. Similarly, a fixedneutral angle fails to provide the benefits of the everted supportplatform during a golf swing.

To help alleviate the above problems, among other things, the examplesof the present disclosure describe a golf shoe including a regionallytime-dependent midsole including a lateral region constructed of a firstmaterial and a medial region constructed of a second material. Thelateral region and the medial region provide a neutral support platformwhen a wearer is walking, and further provides an everted supportedplatform when the wearer is taking a stance, such as when swinging agolf club. Examples are described below with reference to FIGS. 1A-8 .

FIGS. 1A-1D depict various views of an example golf shoe 100, sometimesreferred to herein generally as a shoe, in which aspects of a regionallytime-dependent midsole are implemented. For example, FIG. 1A is a medial(e.g., inner) side view of the shoe 100, FIG. 1B is a lateral (e.g.,outer) side view of the of the shoe 100, FIG. 1C is a dorsal (e.g., top)view of the shoe 100, and FIG. 1D is a posterior (e.g., back) view ofthe shoe 100. The shoe 100 may generally include a shoe upper 104 and asole assembly 106. The sole assembly 106 may include a midsole 111 andoutsole 116. The midsole 111 may be positioned above the outsole 116,such that the midsole 111 may be between the wearer's foot and theoutsole 116. A bottom or outer surface of the outsole 116 is configuredto engage the ground surface G on which the wearer is standing, walking,or performing a golfing action. A top or inner surface of the outsole116 may be configured to engage a bottom surface of the midsole 111.

In general, the anatomy of the foot (generally depicted in FIG. 3A) canbe divided into three bony regions. A rearfoot region generally includesthe ankle (talus) and heel (calcaneus) bones. A midfoot region includesthe cuboid, cuneiform, and navicular bones that form the longitudinalarch of the foot. The forefoot region includes the metatarsal bones andthe toes (phalanges bones). The shoe 100, and accordingly, the upper104, midsole 111, and outsole 116, may generally include a rearfoot areacorresponding to the rearfoot and that may include a heel area, amidfoot area that corresponds to the midfoot region, and a forefoot areacorresponding to the forefoot region and which may include a toe area.It is understood that the rearfoot area, midfoot area, and forefoot areaare intended to represent general areas of footwear and not demarcateprecise areas. As described herein, the rearfoot area (and heel area) isconsidered to be a posterior end of the shoe 100, and, conversely, theforefoot area, including the toe area, is considered to be an anteriorend of the shoe.

As shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, in addition to having a rearfoot area,midfoot area, and forefoot area, the shoe 100, and accordingly, theupper 104, midsole 111, and outsole 116, may also have a medial side anda lateral side that are opposite to one another. The medial side maygenerally correspond with an inside area of the wearer's foot and asurface that faces toward the wearer's other foot. The lateral side maygenerally correspond with an outside area of the wearer's foot and asurface that faces away from the wearer's other foot. The lateral sideand the medial side may extend through each of the rearfoot area, themidfoot area, and the forefoot area and correspond with opposite sidesof the shoe 100 (e.g., and upper 104, midsole 111, and outsole 116). Themedial side and a lateral side may extend around the periphery orperimeter of the shoe 100. For example, the anterior end and posteriorend may apply to the shoe 100 in general, and an anterior end andposterior end may apply to each of the upper 104, midsole 111, andoutsole 116 and associated areas in reference or relation to orientationtoward the front or back of the shoe 100.

The upper 104 may have a traditional shape and may be made from acombination of standard upper materials such as, for example, naturalleather, synthetic leather, knits, non-woven materials, natural fabrics,and synthetic fabrics. For example, breathable mesh and synthetictextile fabrics made from nylons, polyesters, polyolefins,polyurethanes, rubbers, foams, and combinations thereof can be used. Thematerial used to construct the upper 104 may be selected based ondesired properties such as breathability, durability, flexibility,comfort, and water resistance. The upper material is stitched or bondedtogether to form an upper structure using traditional or non-traditionalmanufacturing methods.

The upper 104 may include a vamp 108, for covering the forepart of thefoot, and a heel area 102 for covering and/or supporting the rearportions of a wearer's foot (e.g., the area surrounding and below theAchilles tendon, the posterior of the heel, and the talus and calcaneusbones). In some examples, the vamp 108 may cover at least a portion of atongue member 110. In other examples, and as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, theforepart region of the upper 104 may further include an eye stay 112that may be attached to the vamp 108 and that may cover at least aportion of the tongue member 110.

The upper 104 may include an opening 114 for inserting a wearer's foot.In some examples, the upper 104 may further include a soft, molded foamheel collar 118 (FIG. 1C) extending around at least a portion of theopening 114 for providing enhanced comfort and fit. A variety oftightening system can be used for tightening the shoe 100 around thecontour of the foot. For example, laces 119 of various types ofmaterials (e.g., natural or synthetic fibers, metal cable) may beincluded in the tightening system. In one example, the shoe 100 mayinclude a metal cable (lace)-tightening assembly that may comprise adial, spool, and housing and locking mechanism for locking the cable inplace.

It should be understood that the above-described upper 104 shown inFIGS. 1A-1D represents only one example of an upper design that can beused in the shoe 100 construction of this disclosure and other upperdesigns can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure.

As stated above, the sole assembly 106 may comprise a midsole 111 and anoutsole 116. The midsole 111 may be relatively lightweight and providescushioning to the shoe 100. According to examples of the presentdisclosure, the midsole 111 is a regionally time-dependent midsole 111operative to provide a neutral support angle (a_(n)) when a relativelybrief compression load is placed on the midsole (e.g., when a wearer istaking a step while walking) and to further provide an everted supportangle when the compression load is placed on the midsole for a longerperiod of time (e.g., when the wearer is swinging a golf club). Forexample, and as will be described in further detail below, the midsole111 may be constructed using two different foamed materials. Theregionally time-dependent midsole 111 may include a first region locatedon the lateral side of the midsole 111 (shown in FIG. 3A and hereinreferred to as the lateral region 122) constructed of a first materialand a second region located on the medial side of the midsole 111(herein referred to as the medial region 133) constructed of a secondmaterial.

The first foamed material, for example, may be a firm, relatively tohighly elastic foam, such as a firm foamed ethylene vinyl acetatecopolymer (EVA) composition, that may operate to reach maximumcompression very quickly (e.g., nearly instantaneously, less than 1second(s)) when under load. The second foamed material, for example, maybe a highly viscous foam, similar to some types of memory foam, whichmay operate to reach maximum compression at a slower rate than the firstfoamed material. The disparate compression properties of the lateralregion 122 and the medial region 133 may provide a midsole 111 thatstrategically provides neutral alignment during walking and furthereverts the wearer's feet at ball address to also provide neutralalignment when swinging a golf club. Accordingly, the shoe 100 may beoptimized for providing hours of standing comfort and miles of walkingcomfort and support, while also supporting the wearer's feet throughouta golf swing.

In some examples, the midsole 111 may be joined to the top surface (notshown) of the outsole 116 by stitching, adhesives, or other suitablefastening means using standard or non-standard techniques known in theart. The outsole 116 may be designed to provide support and traction forthe shoe. In some examples, a bottom surface of the outsole 116 mayinclude a plurality of traction members (e.g., spikes, soft spikes, orother removable or permanent features) to help provide traction betweenthe shoe 100 and the different surfaces of a golf course or other groundsurfaces (G). The traction members can be made of any suitable materialsuch as rubbers, plastics, and combinations thereof. Thermoplastics suchas nylons, polyesters, polyolefins, and polyurethanes can be used.Various structures and geometries of traction members and outsoles 116may be included and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

With reference now to FIGS. 2A-2C, a person's leg and foot are depictedin relation to a ground surface (G). FIG. 2A depicts an examplealignment of the person's leg and foot when the foot is aligned near theperson's body's vertical centerline (CL), such as when walking.According to an example, during walking, the foot cycles between anunloaded/flight phase (e.g., foot off the ground surface (G)) and aloaded/support phase (e.g., foot in contact with the ground surface (G))with every other step. For example, throughout the unloaded period, theperson's foot may swing/pendulum close to the surface-projected bodycenter of mass. Then, at commencement of the loaded period, the foot maycontact the ground surface (G) close to the person's body verticalcenterline (CL).

According to an aspect and as will be described in further detail below,the shoe 100 may be configured to align the wearer's foot, ankle, andknee joint complex throughout a walking gait cycle and while swinging agolf club. With such a minimal vertical angle between the plane (p) ofthe lower leg, knee joint, and upper leg of the wearer's support leg andthe wearer's body center (centerline (CL)) throughout the walking gaitcycle, the shoe 100 may be ideally configured to function with little orno geometrical or mechanical differences between the lateral region 122and the medial region 133 of the midsole 111 throughout the walking gaitcycle to maintain a neutral angle of alignment (a_(n)) of the plane (p)of the person's support leg relative to the vertical centerline of theperson's foot (f) flat on the ground surface (G). For example, a neutralangle of alignment (a_(n)) may reduce unwanted kinematics while walking,such as excessive initial pronation velocity and maximum pronationankle.

Aligning the wearer's foot, ankle, and knee joint complex while swinginga golf club has different requirements than alignment while walking. Forexample, and with reference now to FIG. 2B, during a golf swing, theperson's feet may be typically spread out shoulder width or wider atball address. As shown in FIG. 2B, when the person is in a wider-leggedstance, such as when swinging a club, and when the person's foot is flaton the ground surface (G), the vertical centerline of the person's foot(f) may be placed in a slightly inverted position (angle of alignmenta_(a)) with respect to the plane (p) of the lower leg, knee joint, andupper leg. As can be appreciated, this slight misalignment (angle ofalignment a_(a)), although can be accommodated by ankle joint mobility,can make weight transfer and angular momentum generating kinematics lessthan optimal and can substantially affect a golfer's performance.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a neutral angle ofalignment (a_(n)) of the person's foot (f) with respect to the plane (p)of the lower leg, knee joint, and upper leg during a swing stance (e.g.,when the person is in a wider-legged stance) may be desirable to providesupport for maximizing swinging control and power. In examples, and asdepicted in FIG. 2C, this neutral angle of alignment (a_(n)) may beachieved by creating an eversion angle (a_(e)) between the person's footand the ground surface (G) when swinging a golf club. As will bedescribed in detail below with respect to FIGS. 3A-8 , the relativelyelastic lateral region 122 of the regionally time-dependent midsole 111and the highly viscous medial region 133 of the midsole 111 may operateas a time-dependent biasing valgus wedge that creates the eversion angle(a_(e)) between the person's foot and the ground surface (G).

FIG. 3A, shows a dorsal view of a regionally time-dependent midsole 111with reference to anatomy of a wearer's foot according to an example andFIG. 3B shows various cross-sectional views 304, 306, 308, 310 of themidsole 111 of FIG. 3A. As depicted, the midsole 111 may include thelateral region 122 longitudinally traversing the length of the lateralside of the sole 106 and medial region 133 longitudinally traversing thelength of the medial side of the sole 106. According to an example, thetime-dependent biasing valgus wedge may be provided by differentviscoelastic instantaneous elastic and anelastic creep properties of thelateral region 122 and the medial region 133 of the midsole 111. Forexample, the properties of the first and second materials of the lateralregion 122 and medial region 133 may provide a neutral support angle(a_(n)) when a relatively brief compression load (e.g., up to 0.3 s, upto 0.6 s, or up to 1 s) is placed on the midsole (e.g., when the weareris taking a step while walking) and an everted support angle (eversionangle (a_(e))) when the compression load is placed on the midsole for alonger period of time (e.g., 2.5-6 s), such as when the wearer isswinging a golf club.

The lateral region 122 and the medial region 133 of the midsole 111 maybe joined along a knit line 302. As depicted in FIG. 3B, the knit line302 may be vertically blended to an inferior surface (e.g., top surfaceof the outsole 116) to provide a smooth transition between the lateralregion 122 and the medial region 133. For example, the knit line 302 maybe formed between a mediolaterally angled joining surface of the lateralregion 122 and an opposing mediolaterally angled joining surface of themedial region 133. According to an example, orientation of the angularjoining surfaces between the first and second materials of the lateralregion 122 and medial region 133 enable the first and second materialsto be engineered to provide specific time-dependent foot eversion (e.g.,a time-biasing eversion angle (a_(e))). In one example implementationand as depicted in FIG. 3A, the knit line 302 may longitudinallytraverse the length of the sole 106 and be strategically positioned toalign between the wearer's first (big) toe and second toe, the first andsecond metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints, and the talus lateral processand the lateral edge of the calcaneal tuberosity.

The cross-sectional views 304, 306, 308, 310 of the midsole 111 shown inFIG. 3B depict variable unstressed thicknesses/heights of the lateralregion 122 and medial region 133 along the length (L) of the midsole111. As shown, the unstressed thickness of the lateral 122 and medial133 regions of the midsole 111 along cutting plane A-A (e.g., located inthe heel area toward the posterior end of the midsole 111) may be afirst lateral and medial thickness (t_(LA), t_(MA)), respectively; theunstressed thicknesses of the lateral 122 and medial 133 regions of themidsole 111 along cutting plane B-B (e.g., located between the midline(ML) of the midsole 111 and cutting plane A-A) may be a second lateraland medial thickness (t_(LB), t_(MB)), respectively, where the secondlateral and medial thicknesses (t_(LB), t_(MB)) may be less than thefirst lateral and medial thicknesses (t_(LA), t_(MA)); the unstressedthicknesses of the lateral 122 and medial 133 regions of the midsole 111along cutting plane C-C (e.g., located on the anterior side of themidsole 111 approximately a same distance from the midline (ML) as thedistance between the midline (ML) and cutting plane B-B) may be a thirdlateral and medial thickness (t_(LC), t_(MC)), respectively, where thethird lateral and medial thicknesses (t_(LC), t_(MC)) may be less thanthe second lateral and medial thicknesses (t_(LB), t_(MB)); and theunstressed thicknesses of the lateral 122 and medial 133 regions of themidsole 111 along cutting plane D-D (e.g., located in the toe areatoward the anterior end of the midsole 111) may be a fourth lateral andmedial thickness (t_(LD), t_(MD)), respectively, where the fourthlateral and medial thicknesses (t_(LD), t_(MD)) may be less than thethird lateral and medial thicknesses (t_(LC), t_(MC)). For example:along cutting plane A-A, the medial region 133 forms 60%-80% or 70%-100%of the width of the midsole 111; along cutting plane B-B, the medialregion 133 forms 60%-80% of the width of the midsole 111; along cuttingplane C-C, the medial region 133 forms 25%-45% of the width of themidsole 111; and along cutting plane D-D, the medial region 133 forms25%-40% of the width of the midsole 111. In one example implementation,for an average adult male shoe size, the first lateral and medialthicknesses (t_(LA), t_(MA)) may range from approximately 18 mm-26 mm,the second lateral and medial thicknesses (t_(LB), t_(MB)) may rangefrom approximately 14 mm-22 mm, the third lateral and medial thicknesses(t_(LC), t_(MC)) may range from approximately 8 mm-16 mm, and the fourthlateral and medial thicknesses (t_(LD), t_(MD)) may range fromapproximately 6 mm-12 mm. As should be appreciated, other thicknessprofiles are possible and are within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

According to an aspect, during walking, the medial region 133 mayoperate to compress similarly to the lateral region 122 of theregionally time-dependent midsole 111, and during swinging a golf club(e.g., while the golfer is in place taking a stance), the medial region133 may operate to further compress based on anelastic creep propertiesof the second foam material. With reference now to FIG. 4 , exampleanelastic creep properties of the viscoelastic medial region 133 of theregionally time-dependent midsole 111 are depicted. For example, a firstload profile 402 and a first compression profile 404 are depicted for acompression duration representative of a walking gait cycle (walkingcycle) of a golfer's foot. Additionally, a second load profile 406 and asecond compression profile 408 are depicted for a compression durationrepresentative of the golfer's golf swing.

As mentioned above, during walking, the foot cycles between an unloadedperiod 412 (e.g., flight phase or foot off the ground surface (G)) and aloaded period 410 (e.g., support phase or foot in contact with theground surface (G)) with every other step. For example, the walkingcycle may include various stages that each foot may undergo. A firststage of the walking cycle and of the loaded period 410, which may bereferred to as a heel strike phase, may begin when the heel firsttouches the ground surface (G), and may last until the whole foot is onthe ground surface (G). For example, the golfer may slightly dorsiflexthe foot, and the heel may strike the ground surface (G) first as thegolfer starts their walking gait.

A second stage of the walking cycle, which may be referred to as a footflex stage, may begin when the golfer's whole foot is on the ground asthe golfer transfers their weight from the heel to the toes. Forexample, the golfer's arch may be flattened and the foot may serve as ashock absorber, helping to cushion the force of the golfer's body weightas the foot presses downwardly. The end of the foot flex stage may occurwhen the golfer's center of gravity passes over top of the foot.

A third stage of the walking cycle, which may be referred to as amidstance stage, may begin when the golfer's center of mass is directlyabove the ankle joint center and the hip joint center is above the anklejoint.

A fourth stage of the walking cycle, which may be referred to as aheel-off stage, may begin when the golfer's center of gravity has passedthe neutral position. The end of the heel-off stage may occur when thegolfer's heel begins to leave the ground surface (G). For example, thegolfer's foot may plantarflex, and the golfer's foot may function as arigid lever to move the body forward.

A fifth and last stage of the stance phase may be referred to as atoe-off stage. The toe-off stage may begin as the golfer's toes leavethe ground. For example, the foot may continue to plantarflex and pushoff the ground until the golfer's foot is in the air. The toe-off stagemay be the last event of contact during the loaded period 410 of thewalking gait cycle.

As shown in FIG. 4 and with reference to the first load profile 402,based on example timing patterns of walking kinematics, an exampleloaded period 410 of a walking gait is shown occur for a first exampletime duration of approximately 0.2 s-0.4 s. As depicted in the firstcompression profile 404, during this loaded period 410 (e.g., 0.3 s) ofthe walking gait, the second foam material of the midsole 111 may haveproperties that cause the medial region 133 to have minimal anelasticcreep. Additionally, the properties of the second foam material maycause the medial region 133 to recover (e.g., decompress) during theunloaded period 412 (e.g., 0.2 s-0.6 s) of the walking gait to itsunstressed/unloaded thickness (t_(UM)).

Example anelastic creep properties of the viscoelastic medial region 133of the regionally time-dependent midsole 111 for a compression durationrepresentative of the golfer's golf swing are further depicted in FIG. 4. According to an example implementation, an example golf swing duration414 may range from approximately 6.0 s-10.0 s. The golf swing duration414, in one example, may include the time the golfer sets their leadfoot, steps over the ball, and swings to completion of the golf swing,which is represented in the second load 406 profile and the secondcompression profile 408 as 8.0 s. Based on example time patterns, aloaded period 416 (e.g., when the golfer's foot is weighted and acompression load is placed on the midsole 111) may be approximately halfthe golf swing duration 414 (e.g., 2.5 s-6.0 s). The loaded period 416is represented in the second load profile 406 and the second compressionprofile 408 as 4.0 s. Additionally, an example unloaded period 418 ofthe golf swing is represented in the second load profile 406 and thesecond compression profile 408 as 4.0 s. As can be appreciated, othergolf swing durations 414, other loaded periods 416, and other unloadedperiods 418 of golf swings are possible and are within the scope of thepresent disclosure. Generally, and as depicted in the first 402 andsecond 406 load profiles, a compression load is placed on the midsole111 for a longer period of time during a golf swing (e.g., 4.0 s) thanduring a walking step (e.g., 0.3 s). Accordingly, this additional amountof time may allow time for further anelastic creep (shown in the secondcompression profile 408) of the medial region 133 of the midsole 111 tofurther compress, and thereby placing the golfer's foot in an evertedposition (e.g., eversion angle (a_(e))) with respect to the groundsurface (G). Moreover, as was shown in FIG. 2C, this eversion angle(a_(e)) may align the golfer's foot, ankle joint, and leg complex duringthe golf swing, which can optimize weight transfer and angular momentumgenerating kinematics and increase club swinging control and power.

With reference now to FIG. 5 , an example load profile 502 of a golfer'sfoot including a compression loaded period 510 (e.g., support phase) ofa walking gait cycle (walking cycle) is depicted. The example load(sometimes referred to herein as a first load) included in the exampleload profile 502 is represented as 1.2× the golfer's body weight (BW),and is depicted as being applied for 0.3 s (i.e., support phase 510).For instance, the peak of a ground reaction force sine waverepresentative of a step from heel strike to toe-off may beapproximately 1.2 BW. As should be appreciated, other load profiles 502including alternative load amounts and/or support phase 510 durationsmay be utilized for configurating the midsole 111 and are within thescope of the present disclosure. Additionally, an example compressionprofile 504 of the viscoelastic (medial) region 133 (represented by asolid line) and an example compression profile 506 of the elastic(lateral) region 122 (represented by a dashed line) of the regionallytime-dependent midsole 111 are depicted. For instance, the examplecompression profiles 504, 506 depicted in FIG. 5 may provide a neutralsupport angle (a_(n)) when loaded for the example loaded phase 510duration (e.g., 0.3 s), which is representative of a step of a walkingcycle and sometimes referred to herein as a first loaded duration).

According to an example, the compression profile 504 of the medialregion 133 may be the same or similar to the example first compressionprofile 404 depicted in FIG. 4 . For instance, the compression profile504 during the loaded period 510 (e.g., 0.3 s) of the walking gaitdepicts the second foam material of the medial region 133 of the midsole111 having minimal anelastic creep properties that cause the medialregion 133 to reach maximum compression (c_(max-M)) 516 at approximatelythe end of the loaded period 510 (e.g., In an example and as depicted inFIG. 5 , the minimal anelastic creep properties of the second foammaterial of the medial region 133 may cause the medial region 133 toreach maximum compression (c_(max-M)) 516 more slowly than the lateralregion 122. According to examples, during the loaded period 510 of awalking gait cycle, the midsole 111 may be relatively firm or stiff,where the maximum compression (c_(max-M)) 516 of the medial region 133may range from approximately 15%-30% compression of its unstressed(unloaded) thickness (t_(UM)). In one example implementation, themaximum compression (c_(max-M)) 516 of the medial region 133 may beapproximately 20% compression of its unloaded thickness (t_(UM)) (e.g.,the thickness of the medial region 133 at maximum compression(c_(max-M)) is 80% of the unloaded thickness (t_(UM))).

Additionally, the compression profile 506 of the lateral region 122during the loaded period 510 (e.g., 0.3 s) of the walking gait depictsthe first foam material of the midsole 111 having elastic properties.For example, the elastic properties of the first foam material may causethe lateral region 122 to reach a maximum compression (c_(max-L)) 514 atthe end of the loaded period 510 of the walking gait (e.g., 0.3 s) thatis the same or approximately similar to the maximum compression(c_(max-M)) 516 of the medial region 133 (e.g., 20% compression of theunloaded thickness (t_(UM)) of the midsole 111 at approximately 0.3 s).Accordingly, during the loaded period 510 of a walking gait cycle, themidsole 111 may be relatively firm or stiff (e.g., 15%-30% compressionof its unstressed (unloaded) thickness (t_(UM))), and may provide aneutral support angle (a_(n)) when loaded with a first load for thefirst loaded duration.

As the walking gait continues, the golfer's heel may begin to lift andunload. Based on example time patterns, during an unloaded period 512,the golfer's foot may leave the ground surface (G), and thus, themidsole 111 may be compressively unloaded between approximately 0.3s-0.6 s, as depicted in the load profile 502 in FIG. 5 . According to anaspect, the elastic properties of the first material may correlate withelastic recovery properties that cause the lateral region 122 to recoveror equilibrate to its unloaded thickness (t_(L)) within the unloadedperiod 512. In an example, expansion of the lateral region 122 to itsunloaded thickness (t_(L)) may be nearly immediate. As shown in thecompression profiles 504, 506 in FIG. 5 , the anelastic creep propertiesof the second material may correlate with anelastic recovery propertiesthat cause the medial region 133 to recover or equilibrate to itsunloaded thickness (t_(UM)) approximately within the flight phase 512,but at a rate slower than the lateral region 122. For instance,anelastic recovery of the medial region 133 may include a larger portionof the unloaded period 512 of the walking gait than the elastic recoverytime of the lateral region 122. In some examples, the regionallytime-dependent midsole 111 is constructed with various ranges ofcompression properties. For instance, the shoe 100 can be customized tohave a less compressive or more compressive midsole 111, and the wearermay be enabled to select a shoe 100 to support the specific needs ordesires of the wearer.

With reference now to FIG. 6 , an example load profile 602 including acompression loaded period 610 (sometimes referred to herein as a secondloaded period) of a golfer's foot during a golf swing cycle is depicted.The example load included in the example load profile 602 (sometimesreferred to herein as a second load) is represented as 0.5× the golfer'sbody weight (BW) (e.g., the golfer's BW distributed between both feet),and is depicted as being applied for 4.0 s (i.e., loaded period 610). Asshould be appreciated, other load profiles 602 including alternativeload amounts and/or loaded period 610 durations may be utilized forconfigurating the midsole 111 and are within the scope of the presentdisclosure. Additionally, an example compression profile 604 of theviscoelastic (medial) region 133 (represented by a solid line) and anexample compression profile 606 of the elastic (lateral) region 122(represented by a dashed line) of the regionally time-dependent midsole111 are depicted. For instance, the example compression profiles 604,606 depicted in FIG. 6 may provide an everted support angle (a_(e)) withreference to the ground surface (G) when loaded with the second load forthe for the example loaded period 610 duration (e.g., 4.0 s), which isrepresentative of a support or stance phase of a golf swing cycle.

According to an example, the compression profile 606 of the lateralregion 122 during the loaded period 610 (e.g., 4.0 s) of the golf swingcycle depicts the first foam material of the lateral region 122 of themidsole 111 having elastic properties. For example, the elasticproperties of the first foam material may cause the lateral region 122to reach its maximum compression (c_(max-L)) 614 quickly. In an exampleimplementation and as depicted in FIG. 6 , the maximum compression(c_(max-L)) 614 of the lateral region 122 may be approximately 20%compression of its unstressed (unloaded) thickness (t_(UL)), which thelateral region 122 may reach within a range of approximately 0.2 s-0.6 s(e.g., 0.3 s). According to an example, the lateral region 122 of themidsole 111 may continue to be relatively firm or stiff (e.g., 15%-30%compression of its unstressed (unloaded) thickness (t_(UL))) throughoutthe second loaded period 610.

Additionally, the compression profile 604 of the medial region 133 maybe the same or similar to the example second compression profile 408depicted in FIG. 4 . For instance, the compression profile 604 duringthe loaded period 610 (e.g., 4.0 s) of the golf swing depicts the secondfoam material of the midsole 111 having minimal anelastic creepproperties that cause the medial region 133 to continue to compress toits maximum compression (c_(max-M)) 616 at approximately the end of thesecond loaded period 610 (e.g., 4.0 s). According to an example, themaximum compression (c_(max-M)) 616 of the medial region 133 may rangefrom approximately greater than or equal to 55% (e.g., 55%-80%)compression of its unstressed (unloaded) thickness (t_(UM)) (e.g., thethickness of the medial region 133 may be 20%-45% of the unstressed(unloaded) thickness (t_(UM))). In one example implementation, and asdepicted in FIG. 6 , the maximum compression (c_(max-M)) 616 of themedial region 133 may be approximately 60% compression of its unstressed(unloaded) thickness (t_(UM)) with approximately the second load and atapproximately the end of the loaded period 610 (e.g., 4.0 s). That is,and as depicted in FIG. 6 , the minimal anelastic creep properties ofthe second foam material of the medial region 133 may cause the medialregion 133 to reach its maximum compression (c_(max-M)) 616 more slowlythan the lateral region 122 reaching its maximum compression (c_(max-L))614, which may provide an everted support angle (a_(e)) with respect tothe ground surface (G) when loaded for the example loaded period 610duration (e.g., 4.0 s). The everted support angle (a_(e)), for example,may provide a stable platform and a neutral angle of alignment (a_(n))of the golfer's lower leg relative to the golfer's foot so that thegolfer can maintain their balance as they perform their swinging action.

As the golf swing cycle continues, the golfer's heel may begin to liftand unload. Based on example time patterns, during an unloaded period612 of the golf swing, the golfer's foot may leave the ground surface(G), and thus, the midsole 111 may be compressively unloaded betweenapproximately 4.0 s-8.0 s, as depicted in the load profile 602 in FIG. 6. According to an aspect, the elastic properties of the first materialof the lateral 122 region may correlate with elastic recovery propertiesthat cause the lateral region 122 to recover or equilibrate to itsunloaded thickness (t_(UL)) within the unloaded period 612. In anexample, expansion of the lateral region 122 to its unloaded thickness(t_(UL)) may be nearly immediate. As shown in the compression profile604 of the medial region 133 in FIG. 6 , the anelastic creep propertiesof the second material may correlate with anelastic recovery propertiesthat cause the medial region 133 to recover or equilibrate to itsunloaded thickness (t_(UM)) approximately within the unloaded period612, but at a rate slower than recovery of the lateral region 122. Forinstance, the anelastic recovery of the medial region 133 may include alarger portion of the unloaded period 612 of the golf swing than theelastic recovery of the lateral region 122. Recovery of the lateralregion 122 and the medial region 133 at approximately the end of theunloaded period 612 may enable the midsole 111 to then provide a neutralsupport angle (a_(n)) for the golfer's next step in a next cycle.

With reference now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, time series views showing examplechanges in compression of the elastic lateral region 122 and theviscoelastic medial region 133 of the regionally time-dependent midsole111 over time during a golf swing cycle are provided. For example, theunloaded thicknesses 702 a, 708 a, 710 a of the lateral region 122 andthe unloaded thicknesses 702 b, 708 b, 710 b of the medial region 133include example measurements at the various cutting planes in FIGS. 2Aand 2B when the midsole 111 is unloaded, and the loaded thicknesses 704a, 706 a of the lateral region 122 and the loaded thicknesses 704 b, 706b of the medial region 133 include example measurements at the variouscutting planes when the midsole 111 is loaded with an example secondload (e.g., Example unloaded lateral thicknesses 702 a, 708 a, 710 aillustrating recovery of the lateral region 122 when unloaded mayinclude a first unloaded lateral thickness (t_(ULA)) of 24 mm, a secondlateral thickness (t_(LB)) of 20 mm, a third lateral thickness (t_(LC))of 12 mm, and a fourth lateral and medial thickness (t LD) of 8 mm.Example unloaded medial thicknesses 702 b, 710 b illustrating recoveryof the medial region 133 when unloaded (e.g., at T=0 s and T=8.0 s) mayinclude an first unloaded medial thickness (t_(MA)) of 24 mm, a secondmedial thickness (t_(MB)) of 20 mm, a third medial thickness (t_(MC)) of12 mm, and a fourth medial thickness (t_(MD)) of 8 mm. Additionally,example unloaded medial thicknesses 708 b illustrating recovery of themedial region 133 when unloaded (e.g., at T=4.3 s) may further include afirst unloaded medial thickness (t_(MA)) of 14.5 mm, second medialthickness (t_(MB)) of 12 mm, a third medial thickness (t_(MC)) of 7 mm,and a fourth medial thickness (t_(MD)) of 5 mm. As can be appreciated,in other examples, other unloaded thicknesses 702, 708, 710 of themidsole 111 may be incorporated and are within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, at time (T)=0, the golfer may place a load(e.g., the second load) on the midsole 111, which may cause the medialregion 133 and the lateral region 122 of the midsole 111 to begincompressing. According to an example, at T=0.3 s (A), the first materialof the lateral region 122 may compress 18% of its unloaded thickness(t_(UL)) and the second material of the medial region 133 may compress12% of its unloaded thickness (t_(UM)). Thus, at roughly cutting planeA-A of the midsole 111, the first loaded thickness (t_(LLA)) of thelateral region 122 may be approximately 19.5 mm and the first loadedthickness (t_(LMA)) of the medial region 133 may be approximately 21 mm;at roughly cutting plane B-B, the first loaded thickness (t_(LLB))) ofthe lateral region 122 may be approximately 16.5 mm and the first loadedthickness (t_(LMB)) of the medial region 133 may be approximately 17.5mm; at roughly cutting plane C-C, the first loaded thickness (t_(LLC))of the lateral region 122 may be approximately 10 mm and the firstloaded thickness (t_(LMC)) of the medial region 133 may be approximately10.5 mm; and at roughly cutting plane D-D, the first loaded thickness(t_(LLD)) of the lateral region 122 may be approximately 6.5 mm and thefirst loaded thickness (t_(LMD)) of the medial region 133 may beapproximately 7 mm. Thus, and as shown in FIG. 7B, compression of thelateral region 122 and the medial region 133 may be equal or similar(e.g., within approximately 3.5 mm).

After T=0.3 s (A), the medial region 133 may continue compressing. Forexample, at approximately T=4.0 s (B), which may be related to golfer'sstance of a golf swing, the first material of the lateral region 122 maycompress 20% of its unloaded thickness (t_(UL)) and the second materialof the medial region 133 may compress 60% of its unloaded thickness(t_(UM)). Thus, at roughly cutting plane A-A of the midsole 111, thesecond loaded thickness (t_(LLA)) of the lateral region 122 may beapproximately 19 mm and the second loaded thickness (t_(LMA)) of themedial region 133 may be approximately 9.5 mm; at roughly cutting planeB-B, the second loaded thickness (t_(LLB))) of the lateral region 122may be approximately 16 mm and the second loaded thickness (t_(LMB)) ofthe medial region 133 may be approximately 8 mm; at roughly cuttingplane C-C, the second loaded thickness (t_(LLC)) of the lateral region122 may be approximately 9.5 mm and the second loaded thickness(t_(LMC)) of the medial region 133 may be approximately 5 mm; and atroughly cutting plane D-D, the second loaded thickness (t_(LLD)) of thelateral region 122 may be approximately 6.5 mm and the second loadedthickness (t_(LMD)) of the medial region 133 may be approximately 3 mm.In an example, at approximately T=4.0 s, the medial region 133 and thelateral region 122 may be fully compressed, where the second material ofthe medial region 122 may operate to compress further than the firstmaterial of the lateral region 133 and provide an eversion angle (a_(e))with respect to the ground surface (G). In an example, the eversionangle (a_(e)) may be approximately 3-30 degrees, 4-15 degrees, 4-10degrees, or 4-6 degrees.

After approximately T=4.0 s (B), the golfer may begin to unload thefoot, and accordingly, the midsole 111 may begin decompressing. Forexample, the elastic properties of the lateral region 122 may cause thelateral region 122 to decompress to approximately its initial unloadedthickness (t_(UL)) by T=4.3 s (C), while the anelastic properties of themedial region 133 may cause the medial region 133 to decompress toapproximately 60% of its unloaded thickness (t_(UM)). Thus, atapproximately T=4.3 s and at roughly cutting plane A-A of the midsole111, the unloaded thickness (t_(ULA)) of the lateral region 122 may beapproximately 24 mm and the unloaded thickness (t_(UMA)) of the medialregion 133 may be approximately 14.5 mm; at roughly cutting plane B-B,the unloaded thickness (t_(ULB)) of the lateral region 122 may beapproximately 20 mm and the unloaded thickness (t_(UMB)) of the medialregion 133 may be approximately 12 mm; at roughly cutting plane C-C, theunloaded thickness (t_(ULC)) of the lateral region 122 may beapproximately 12 mm and the unloaded thickness (t_(UMC)) of the medialregion 133 may be approximately 7 mm; and at roughly cutting plane D-D,the unloaded thickness (t_(ULD)) of the lateral region 122 may beapproximately 8 mm and the unloaded thickness (t_(UMD)) of the medialregion 133 may be approximately 5 mm. In an example, at approximatelyT=4.3 s, the lateral region 133 may be fully decompressed, where thesecond material of the medial region 122 may operate to continue todecompress and the eversion angle (a_(e)) may continue to be provided.The eversion angle (a_(e)) may be less at approximately T=4.35 than atT=4.0 s.

At approximately T=8.0 s (B), the golfer may end the unloaded period ofthe golf swing, and the midsole 111 may be fully decompressed, which mayprovide a neutral support angle (a_(n)) for the golfer's next step in awalking cycle.

With reference now to FIG. 8 , a flow chart is illustrated havingexample operations of a method 800 of making a golf shoe 100 including aregionally time-dependent midsole 111 according to an example. Forexample, the midsole 111 may be constructed to provide a neutral supportangle (a_(n)) when a relatively brief compression load is placed on themidsole (e.g., when a golfer is taking a step while walking) and tofurther provide an everted support angle when the compression load isplaced on the midsole for a longer period of time (e.g., when the golferis swinging a golf club).

At operation 802, an upper 104 may be constructed. For example, thevarious parts of the upper 104 may be stitched, glued, or otherwiseattached together.

At operation 804, an outsole 116 may be constructed. In an example, aTPU mold may be used to form the outsole 116.

At operation 806, the lateral region 122 of the midsole 111 may beconstructed. In an example, a first foamed material, which may be astandard firm, relatively to highly elastic foam, such as a firm foamedethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) composition, may be placed insidea first mold (e.g., EVA mold) and molded into the lateral region 122.According to an example, the first material may operate to reach maximumcompression very quickly (e.g., nearly instantaneously, less than 1 s)when under load.

At operation 808, the medial region 133 of the midsole 111 may beconstructed. In an example, a second foamed material, which may be ahighly viscous foam, may be placed inside a second mold, such as amemory foam mold and molded into the medial region 133. According to anexample, the second material may operate to reach maximum compression ata slower rate than the first foamed material.

At operation 810, the lateral region 122 and the medial region 133 ofthe midsole 111 may be attached. For example, the lateral region 122 andthe medial region 133 may be joined along the knit line 302, which maybe vertically blended to the inferior surface (e.g., top surface of theoutsole 116) to provide a smooth transition between the lateral region122 and the medial region 133. According to an example, the lateralregion 122 may have a mediolaterally angled joining surface that may beformed to receive an opposing mediolaterally angled joining surface ofthe medial region 133. In an example, the lateral region 122 and themedial region 133 may be joined by adhesives or other suitable fasteningmeans using standard or non-standard techniques known in the art.

At operation 812, the regionally time-dependent midsole 111 may beattached to the outsole 116. In an example, the midsole 111 may bebonded to the top surface of the outsole 116 using adhesives or otherattachment techniques.

At OPERATION 814, the upper 104 constructed at OPERATION 802 may belasted and attached (e.g., bonded) to the top surface of the midsole111. In some examples, an insole 126 may be inserted into the shoe 100.In some examples, additional steps may be performed at one or more ofthe above operations to waterproof the shoe 100, inspect the shoe 100,and/or perform other shoe assembly tasks. According to an aspect, thedisparate compression properties of the lateral region 122 and themedial region 133 of the midsole 111 may strategically provide neutralalignment during walking and may evert the wearer's feet at ball addressto additionally provide neutral alignment when swinging a golf club.Accordingly, the shoe 100 may be optimized for providing hours ofstanding comfort and miles of walking comfort and support, while alsosupporting the golfer's feet throughout a golf swing.

In some examples, the midsole 111 is constructed asymmetrically betweena left and a right shoe 100 (e.g., for a righthanded golfer versus alefthanded golfer). In one example, a pair of shoes 100 is customizedfor a righthanded golfer, where the right shoe of the pair may include aregionally time-dependent midsole 111 as described herein, and thelateral region 122 and the medial region 133 of the midsole 111 of theleft shoe of the pair have the same or similar compression properties.Likewise, a pair of shoes 100 customized for a lefthanded golfer mayinclude a regionally time-dependent midsole 111 in the left shoe of thepair, and the right shoe of the pair may include a midsole 111 with thelateral region 122 and medial region 133 having the same or similarcompression properties.

In another example, the midsole 111 may be constructed as an insert forthe shoe 100. For instance, the midsole 111 may be inserted and removedfrom the shoe 100 to allow the golfer to customize whether the left shoeand/or the right shoe of a pair of shoes 100 includes a regionallytime-dependent midsole 111 as described herein. In an example, theselection to include the regionally time-dependent midsole 111 in one orboth the right and left shoe 100 is based on whether the golfer is arighthanded or lefthanded golfer.

This technology should not be construed as limited to the embodimentsset forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that thisdisclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey thescope of the technology to those skilled in the art. In the drawings,like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Thicknesses anddimensions of some components may be exaggerated for clarity. The viewsshown in the Figures are of a right shoe and it is understood thecomponents for a left shoe will be mirror images of the right shoe. Italso should be understood that the shoe may be made in various sizes andthus the size of the components of the shoe may be adjusted dependingupon the shoe size.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the technology.As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being“attached,” “coupled” or “connected” to another element, it can bedirectly attached, coupled or connected to the other element orintervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an elementis referred to as being “directly attached,” directly coupled” or“directly connected” to another element, there are no interveningelements present.

It is noted that any one or more aspects or features described withrespect to one embodiment may be incorporated in a different embodimentalthough not specifically described relative thereto. That is, allembodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any wayand/or combination. Applicant reserves the right to change anyoriginally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including theright to be able to amend any originally filed claim to depend fromand/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although notoriginally claimed in that manner. These and other objects and/oraspects of the present technology are explained in detail in thespecification set forth below.

When numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are set forthherein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values may beused. Other than in the operating examples, or unless otherwiseexpressly specified, all of the numerical ranges, amounts, values andpercentages such as those for amounts of materials and others in thespecification may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” even thoughthe term “about” may not expressly appear with the value, amount orrange. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numericalparameters set forth in the specification and attached claims areapproximations that may vary depending upon the desired propertiessought to be obtained by the present technology.

It also should be understood the terms, “first”, “second”, “third”,“fourth”, “fifth”, “sixth”, “seventh”, “eight”, “ninth”, “tenth”,“eleventh”, “twelfth”, “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower”, “upwardly”,“downwardly”, “right’, “left”, “center”, “middle”, “proximal”, “distal”,“anterior”, “posterior”, “forefoot”, “mid-foot”, and “rear-foot”, andthe like are arbitrary terms used to refer to one position of an elementbased on one perspective and should not be construed as limiting thescope of the technology.

All patents, publications, test procedures, and other references citedherein, including priority documents, are fully incorporated byreference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with thistechnology and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation ispermitted. It is understood that the shoe materials, designs,constructions, and structures; shoe components; and shoe assemblies andsub-assemblies described and illustrated herein represent only someembodiments of the technology. It is appreciated by those skilled in theart that various changes and additions can be made to such products andmaterials without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.It is intended that all such embodiments be covered by the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf shoe comprising: an upper; and a soleassembly connected to the upper, the sole assembly comprising: anoutsole; and a midsole comprising: a lateral region constructed of afirst material; and a medial region constructed of a second material,wherein: the first material compresses to a maximum compression of thefirst material within a first time period; and the second materialcompresses to the maximum compression of the first material within thefirst time period and compresses to a maximum compression of the secondmaterial within a second time period.
 2. The golf shoe of claim 1,wherein the maximum compression of the second material is higher thanthe maximum compression of the first material.
 3. The golf shoe of claim1, wherein the maximum compression of the first material is in a rangeof 15%-30% compression of an unloaded thickness of the lateral region.4. The golf shoe of claim 1, wherein the maximum compression of thesecond material is in a range of greater than 55% compression of anunloaded thickness of the medial region.
 5. The golf shoe of claim 1,wherein the first time period is less than 1 second.
 6. The golf shoe ofclaim 1, wherein the second time period is in a range of 2.5 seconds-6.0seconds.
 7. The golf shoe of claim 1, wherein: the first material is anelastic material; and the second material is a viscoelastic material. 8.The golf shoe of claim 1, wherein the lateral region is joined at amediolateral angle to the medial region.
 9. The golf shoe of claim 1,wherein: the first material decompresses to an unloaded thickness of thelateral region within a third time period; and the second materialdecompresses to an unloaded thickness of the medial region within afourth time period, wherein the fourth time period is longer than thethird time period.
 10. A regionally time-dependent midsole for a golfshoe, the midsole comprising: a lateral region constructed of a firstmaterial; and a medial region constructed of a second material, whereinwhen the midsole is under a load: the lateral region compresses to amaximum compression of the first material and the medial regioncompresses to the same maximum compression of the first material withina first time period; and the medial region compresses to a maximumcompression of the second material within a second time period.
 11. Themidsole of claim 10, wherein: the maximum compression of the secondmaterial is higher than the maximum compression of the first material;and the second time period is longer than the first time period.
 12. Themidsole of claim 10, wherein an everted support angle is formed relativeto a ground surface when the midsole is under the load for the secondtime period.
 13. The midsole of claim 10, wherein: the first material isan elastic foam material; and the second material is a viscous foammaterial.
 14. The midsole of claim 10, wherein a neutral support angleis formed by the midsole relative to a ground surface when the lateralregion and the medial region compress to the maximum compression of thefirst material within the first time period.
 15. The midsole of claim10, wherein the lateral region is joined at a mediolateral angle to themedial region.
 16. The midsole of claim 10, wherein: the first materialdecompresses to an unloaded thickness of the lateral region within athird time period; and the second material decompresses to an unloadedthickness of the medial region within a fourth time period, wherein thefourth time period is longer than the third time period.
 17. A methodfor making a golf shoe comprising a regionally time-dependent midsolefor a golf shoe: constructing an upper; constructing an outsole;constructing a lateral region of a midsole using a first material;constructing a medial region of the midsole using a second material,wherein: the first material compresses to a maximum compression of thefirst material within a first time period; and the second materialcompresses to the maximum compression of the first material within thefirst time period and compresses to a maximum compression of the secondmaterial, higher than the maximum compression of the first material,within a second time period; attaching the lateral region to the medialregion of the midsole; generating a sole assembly by attaching themidsole to the outsole; and attaching the upper to the sole assembly.18. The method of claim 17, wherein: the first material is in a range of15%-30% compression of an unloaded thickness of the lateral region; andthe maximum compression of the second material is in a range of greaterthan 55% compression of an unloaded thickness of the medial region. 19.The method of claim 17, wherein attaching the lateral region to themedial region of the midsole comprises joining the lateral region to themedial region at a mediolateral angle.
 20. The method of claim 17,wherein: the first material decompresses to an unloaded thickness of thelateral region within a third time period; and the second materialdecompresses to an unloaded thickness of the medial region within afourth time period, wherein the fourth time period is longer than thethird time period.